A swimming timer including a fluid container, a fluid channel, a fluid sensor, a control circuit board and a display device. The fluid channel is connected to the fluid container and the fluid sensor, and the control circuit board is wired with the fluid sensor and the display device. The fluid container is installed and mounted on a side-wall of a swimming lane. When a swimmer starts, turns and stops, the fluid container will be touched and compressed forcing the fluid inside to flow into the fluid channel. The fluid sensor detects the fluid flow and generates electronic signals accordingly for the control circuit board and the built-in timing and stopwatch program to use as the input commands of start, lap and stop to compute the swimming time and the number of swimming laps. The display device is to show the results for the swimmer reference.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
2. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid container is a cubic vessel, and the width, the height and the thickness of the cubic vessel comply with the FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) regulations of the size of touch pad of a swimming timer.
This invention relates to a swimming timer device designed for use in competitive swimming events. The primary problem addressed is the need for a standardized, accurate, and reliable timing system that complies with international swimming regulations, particularly those set by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA). The device includes a fluid container that acts as a touch pad, which swimmers press to record their lap or race times. The fluid container is specifically designed as a cubic vessel, with dimensions for width, height, and thickness that strictly adhere to FINA regulations governing the size of touch pads for swimming timers. This ensures compatibility with official competition standards. The cubic shape provides a uniform and consistent surface area for touch detection, improving accuracy and reliability in time measurement. The device likely incorporates sensors or electronic components within the fluid container to detect the moment of contact, triggering the timer to record the swimmer's time. The overall design aims to minimize errors and ensure that the timing system meets the stringent requirements of professional swimming competitions.
3. The swimming timer according to claim 2, wherein the fluid container is formed by a structure frame, a structure back panel and a front touch panel that the structure frame and the structure back panel are rigid bodies to construct the rigidity of the fluid container and the front touch panel is an elastic plastic or metal plate so that a touch force activated by a swimmer will cause deformation of the front touch panel and volume decrease of the fluid container and that the fluid container will restore to its initial volume due to the elasticity when the touch force released.
This invention relates to a swimming timer designed to measure a swimmer's performance by detecting touch interactions with a fluid-filled container. The device addresses the need for accurate, durable, and responsive timing mechanisms in aquatic environments where traditional touch sensors may fail due to water interference or mechanical wear. The swimming timer includes a fluid container that is structurally reinforced by a rigid frame and back panel, ensuring stability and rigidity. The front of the container features a touch-sensitive panel made of elastic plastic or metal, which deforms under pressure from a swimmer's touch. This deformation reduces the container's internal volume, displacing the fluid inside. When the touch force is released, the panel's elasticity restores the container to its original volume. The fluid displacement is detected by a sensor, which triggers a timing function, such as starting or stopping a stopwatch. The elastic touch panel ensures durability and responsiveness, as it can withstand repeated impacts while maintaining sensitivity. The rigid frame and back panel provide structural integrity, preventing deformation under normal use. This design improves reliability in wet environments, where traditional mechanical or capacitive touch sensors may malfunction. The system is particularly useful for competitive swimming, where precise timing is critical.
4. The swimming timer according to claim 2, wherein the Newtonian fluid in the fluid container is water or air.
A swimming timer system is designed to measure the duration of a swimmer's underwater movement. The system includes a fluid container filled with a Newtonian fluid, such as water or air, and a floatable object that moves within the fluid when the swimmer performs a stroke. The floatable object is connected to a measurement mechanism that detects its movement and calculates the time elapsed based on the object's displacement. The system may also include a display to show the measured time. The Newtonian fluid ensures consistent resistance, allowing for accurate timing regardless of the fluid type used. The timer is particularly useful for training and competitive swimming, providing real-time feedback on stroke efficiency and underwater movement duration. The system may be integrated into swimming pools or worn by swimmers to monitor performance during practice or races. The use of water or air as the fluid allows for adaptability in different training environments, ensuring reliable and precise timing in both aquatic and simulated conditions.
5. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid channel is an airtight tube full of the Newtonian fluid that one end of the fluid channel connected with the fluid sensor and the other end of the fluid channel connected with the fluid hole of the fluid container.
A swimming timer system is designed to measure the duration of a swimmer's underwater movement by detecting fluid displacement caused by the swimmer's breath. The system includes a fluid container holding a Newtonian fluid, a fluid sensor, and a fluid channel connecting the two. The fluid sensor detects changes in fluid pressure or volume, which occur when the swimmer exhales underwater, displacing the fluid. The timer measures the elapsed time based on these detected changes, providing an accurate record of the swimmer's underwater duration. The fluid channel is an airtight tube filled with the Newtonian fluid, ensuring consistent fluid flow and pressure transmission. One end of the tube is connected to the fluid sensor, while the other end is connected to a fluid hole in the fluid container. This sealed system prevents air bubbles or leaks, maintaining accurate pressure readings. The Newtonian fluid's properties ensure predictable flow behavior, allowing precise detection of breath-induced fluid displacement. The timer calculates the swimmer's underwater time by analyzing the sensor's output, providing real-time feedback for training or competition. This design improves upon traditional methods by offering a more reliable and responsive measurement system.
6. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein a timing and stopwatch program is installed in the control circuit board to receive the electronic signals generated by the fluid sensor as the input command data of start, lap and stop required by the timing and stopwatch program to compute the swimming time and the number of swimming laps.
This invention relates to a swimming timer system designed to accurately measure swimming time and lap counts. The system addresses the need for precise, automated timing in swimming activities, eliminating manual errors and improving efficiency. The core component is a fluid sensor that detects the presence of water, generating electronic signals when a swimmer enters or exits the pool. These signals are processed by a control circuit board equipped with a timing and stopwatch program. The program interprets the signals as commands for start, lap, and stop functions, enabling automatic calculation of swimming duration and lap count. The system ensures real-time tracking without manual intervention, enhancing accuracy and convenience for swimmers and coaches. The fluid sensor's responsiveness to water contact ensures reliable detection, while the integrated program handles data processing seamlessly. This solution is particularly useful in training and competitive settings where precise performance metrics are essential. The invention combines hardware and software components to provide an automated, user-friendly timing solution for swimming activities.
7. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit board is connected electrically with a chargeable battery supplying electricity to the control circuit board to drive the fluid sensor, to receive the electronic signals generated by the fluid sensor, to execute the timing and stopwatch program, and to transmit the results of execution to the display device.
A swimming timer system is designed to accurately measure and display lap times for swimmers. The system includes a fluid sensor that detects the presence of water, a control circuit board that processes signals from the sensor, and a display device that shows timing results. The control circuit board is powered by a rechargeable battery, which supplies electricity to the sensor and the circuit board itself. The sensor generates electronic signals when it comes into contact with water, which the control circuit board receives and processes using a timing and stopwatch program. The program calculates elapsed time based on the sensor signals and transmits the results to the display device for visualization. This setup ensures reliable, battery-powered operation for tracking swim performance, with the rechargeable battery allowing for extended use without frequent replacements. The system is particularly useful for training and competitive swimming, where precise timing is essential. The integration of the rechargeable battery eliminates the need for disposable batteries, enhancing sustainability and convenience. The fluid sensor's water detection capability ensures accurate timing by triggering the start and stop functions automatically when the swimmer enters or exits the water.
8. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sensor is a fluid pressure sensor able to measure the pressure of fluid.
A swimming timer system includes a fluid sensor that detects the presence of fluid, such as water, to measure swimming performance. The fluid sensor is specifically a fluid pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure exerted by the fluid. This sensor provides data on fluid dynamics, allowing the system to track swimming metrics like lap times, stroke efficiency, or underwater movement. The pressure measurements can be used to determine the swimmer's position, speed, or technique adjustments in real time. The system may also include additional sensors or processing units to analyze the data and provide feedback. The fluid pressure sensor enhances accuracy by directly measuring fluid pressure, which can be correlated with swimming performance parameters. This technology is useful for competitive swimmers, coaches, and training programs to optimize performance and technique. The system may be integrated into wearable devices or poolside equipment for seamless monitoring.
9. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sensor is a fluid flow-rate sensor able to measure the flow rate of fluid.
A swimming timer system includes a fluid sensor that detects the presence of fluid, such as water, to measure swimming performance. The fluid sensor is specifically a fluid flow-rate sensor capable of measuring the flow rate of the fluid, providing detailed data on the speed and volume of water movement during swimming activities. This allows for precise tracking of swimming metrics, such as stroke rate, speed, and efficiency. The system may also include additional sensors or components to enhance accuracy, such as motion sensors or timing mechanisms, to provide comprehensive performance analysis. The fluid flow-rate sensor ensures real-time monitoring of water flow dynamics, which is critical for optimizing training and competition strategies in swimming. By measuring flow rate, the system can differentiate between different swimming strokes and detect variations in technique, helping swimmers refine their performance. The integration of a flow-rate sensor enhances the accuracy and functionality of the swimming timer, making it a valuable tool for athletes, coaches, and training programs.
10. The swimming timer according to claim 1, wherein the display device is the display screen of a cell phone or a computer.
A swimming timer system is designed to measure and display lap times for swimmers during training or competition. The system includes a detection device that identifies when a swimmer completes a lap, such as by sensing motion, pressure, or water displacement. The detection device triggers a timing mechanism that calculates the elapsed time between laps. The system also includes a display device that shows the lap times to the swimmer or coach. The display device can be integrated into the system or connected wirelessly. The system may also include a data storage unit to record lap times for later analysis. The invention improves upon traditional manual timing methods by automating the process, reducing errors, and providing real-time feedback. The display device can be the screen of a cell phone or computer, allowing for flexible and portable monitoring of swim times. This configuration enables swimmers and coaches to use existing devices for timing, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. The system enhances training efficiency by providing immediate performance data, helping swimmers track progress and adjust techniques. The invention is particularly useful in competitive swimming environments where precise timing is critical.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
February 16, 2021
June 4, 2024
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.